I've been reading about quinoa and been anxious to try it. This was a nice light, side dish. Looking forward to making it once I have grown my own fresh herbs. It can be served hot or cold.

Quinoa Side Dish

Source: Allrecipes.com

Ingredients

1 TBSP. butter

1 cup uncooked quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth

2 tsps. chopped garlic

2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley

1/2 TBSP chopped fresh thyme

1/4 tsp. salt

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 dash fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the quinoa, and toast, stirring occasionally until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender.

2. In a bowl, toss quinoa together with garlic, parsley, thyme, salt, and onion. Sprinkle with lemon juice, and serve.

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta and put the pasta on a large cookie sheet. Drizzle the pasta with 3 tablespoons olive oil, toss, spread out, and set aside to cool.

Once the orzo is cool, transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and toss gently to combine. Serve.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

I've been eyeing this recipe from Martha Stewart's Magazine "Everyday Food". I dig all things taco & am always looking for a different way to serve them up. The recipe seems a little strange BUT I gotta say it was pretty good. A nice way to incorporate 'the other white meat'.

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine pork, garlic, and 8 cups water and season with salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered until pork is tender, 40 to 45 minutes. Drain well.

2. In a large nonstick skillet (I just used the dutch oven), heat oil over medium-high. Add pork, orange juice, and milk. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and pork is browned, 8 to 12 minutes. Serve carnitas in tortillas with cilantro, onion, avocado, and lime wedges.

Monday, May 4, 2009

My mother in law gave me a wonderful cookbook full of healthy recipes. The cookbook is "Jane Brody's Good Food Gourmet". I've been overloading on strawberries and have been looking for a way to use some. Strawberry muffins completely hit the spot. This is a great, healthy recipe. The muffins also freeze well.

3. In a medium-sized bowl, lightly beat the egg white and whole eggs. Beat in the apple cider or juice and the oil. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring the ingredients until they are just moist.

4. Gently stir in all but 24 slices of the strawberries. Divide the batter among 2 greased muffin cups. Top each muffin with a reserved strawberry slice.

5. Place the muffin tins in the hot oven, and bake for about 25 minutes. I did use muffin liners & lightly sprayed them with PAM.

Friday, May 1, 2009

This is a recipe from allrecipes.com. It was OK. But did serve to be a nice, easy quick weeknight meal. I can't say enough about having recipes like that. I did saute some zucchini and carrots which turned out good. Next time I make this I would double the sauce.

DirectionsSeason chicken with salt and pepper. (I also pounded it out a bit). In a skillet, cook chicken and garlic in oil for 4-6 minutes - turning half way. Add 4 TBSP. broth & wine ( or additional broth), lemon juice, basil and oregano. Reduce heat; Cover and simmer for 6-8 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.

2. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining broth until smooth. Stir into skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Spoon sauce over chicken.

About Me

I am a late 30something, new mom, trying to find the balance in cooking, entertaining, eating healthy... you know the things which so many balance! I loves when I find the occasion or some time to cook! This started as a place for me to organize recipes I like but am glad it's transpired that others enjoy it as well!